Tennis Elbow Procedure & Treatment Options

What to expect from non-operative treatments and a tennis elbow procedure

In daily life, the arm, wrist, and hand function to grip strongly and lift. When the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that typically stabilize the elbow joint suffer damage from overuse, strain from activities, or joint degeneration, one’s routine can be interrupted. Depending on the severity, everything from weight training to lifting a cup of coffee may prompt pain. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute offers  the most advanced tennis elbow procedure options and orthopaedic care in the greater Philadelphia region.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical tennis elbow treatment options involve rest, physical therapy, a sports equipment fitting and check if applicable, bracing on the forearm, injections, and in some cases shock wave therapy. A doctor will be able to assess symptom development, whether a particular activity contributed to the injury, and the extent of damage. X-rays, MRI scans, and electromyography (EMG) may be used to define the diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is key, especially when it comes to arm and elbow pain that could just as easily be referred pain from another part of the body such as the neck, upper back and shoulders.

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we believe that non-surgical treatments offer patients the opportunity to pursue recovery without significantly modifying or interrupting their lifestyle. We have found that over 90% of patients successfully recover with nonoperative treatments. It is recommended that nonsurgical therapies and treatments are exhausted for up to 6 plus months before surgical treatment will be considered. A doctor will evaluate an individual’s candidacy based on factors such as:

• Whether one’s symptoms have been fully unresponsive to nonsurgical treatment methods

• The severity of the injury

• A patient’s medical history and current health

• Patient preferences (lifestyle, activity levels, recovery support)

• Risks

• Anticipated surgical prognosis

• Patient compliance for tennis elbow surgery recovery

Surgery Options for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis surgery will serve to repair the small tendon tears at the elbow in addition to removing diseased muscle and reattaching healthy muscle back to bone. The two different types of surgery for tennis elbow are open surgery and arthroscopic surgery. In the case that surgery is advised, the goal is to successfully restore one’s full range of motion, strength, and function.

Tennis elbow surgery recovery times vary according to the individual, but one may be able to expect to return to athletic activity within four to six months. Immediately following a tennis elbow surgery, immobilization may be recommended.  At the two-month mark, strengthening therapy and exercises that promote flexibility will be recommended.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute: Shoulder and Elbow Team, Sports Medicine Team, and Hand Team

At Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, their Shoulder and Elbow Team, Sports Medicine Team, and Hand Team are all committed to providing the most advanced multidisciplinary approach to athletic injury prevention and awareness, treatment and restoration. Consisting of orthopaedic surgeons, non-surgical specialists, rehabilitation specialists, athletic trainers, and physical therapists, our providers are pioneers in the field of orthopaedic care. Whether you are pursuing non-operative treatments or a tennis elbow procedure, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute uses the most advanced equipment and techniques so that patients can quickly recovery. On our website you can find more information and patient ambassador pictures of tennis elbow surgery and other orthopaedic rehabilitation stories.

For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999​.